Bone Grafting
Major & Minor Bone Grafting
Missing teeth over a period of time can cause your jaw bone to atrophy, or resorb. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as long term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients, in these situations, are not candidates for dental implants.
Fortunately, today we have the ability to grow bone where it is needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, but it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Major Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum to protect the bone graft, as well as encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration, or guided tissue regeneration.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different areas depending on the size needed. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.
Cortland Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful experience, which sounds very strange for a tooth extraction, I was really scared, and the doctor and staff were wonderful, very professional, very patient and caring. Procedure was very quick and I was done before I had a chance to panic.
- chris h
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Professional and attentive
- George P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Courteous, friendly and professional...I never felt rushed and was well cared for start to finish.
- Steven F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was there for consultation on a tooth problem. The doctor and the staff were all wonderful - professional, friendly, caring, explained everything very thoroughly for me. I'd most certainly go back if ever need be.
- Juleene C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a wonderful experience throughout my oral surgery procedure. Staff was friendly and welcoming and the doctor put me at ease, thoroughly explaining options and answering all of my questions. I was kept very comfortable throughout the entire process and felt I was in excellent hands.
- Natalie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
everything was very professional
- JAMES M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Friendly, efficient and knowledgeable staff.
- Joe D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
what a great office - these folks have a genuine feeling of family - very rare these days - and Dr. San Giacomo is simply the best, most skilled oral surgeon in our part of Upstate NY - he is amazingly focused and patient, and great to communicate with - after my experience with Dr. San Giacomo and his staff, i would never consider seeing another oral surgeon....it's just that simple:
- richard d
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great job by all
- Amy D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The office was clean and orderly. The procedure was done within a timely manner once started.
- Karen C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
An absolutely pleasant and professional experience from my first call to the office.
- Mary Beth Z
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Two thumbs wayyyyyy up
- Ed L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly staff and quick process to get in and taken care of.
- Shannon P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent in every way. Difficult to see how they could improve. Being able to schedule a little sooner would have been good. It was also very difficult to get through on the telephone to make the appointment, it was always busy. It is no wonder the office is so busy as doc is just so so good. Wish there were dental providers in the area half as good. Thank you for the great care.
- helen G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
i was impressed with the professionalism of the staff and how very pleasant they were throught my visits there.
- Maury T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone in the office from the receptionists to the dental hygienists to the doctor were all really great, sympathetic and professional. I would highly recommend this office for your procedure.
- lorraine b
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They were very friendly talked to you through the procedure.I am very thankful for all they did.
- Barbara W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Can't say enough good about Dr. S.G. and his practice... Already referred two people from Ithaca to his office
- Ann B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was my third time going to see Dr. SanGiacomo to have teeth removed. He has been great all three times. The office, and nursing staff are always friendly and wonderful at easing any concerns or questions you might have. When it comes to the surgery(for me anyway) Dr. SanGiacomo is very thorough, from placing the IV and medication. The extractions and making sure that he has gotten every last bit of debris. Then making sure all the extraction sites are closed and stitched up properly before waking you up. I am also very happy with how the staff interacts with the person that comes with you. Also how they are very detailed in making sure that your person is informed on the after care. I would happily refer friends and family to go here if they are ever in need of having teeth removed.
- Connie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Pleasant experience for an unpleasant procedure
- Steven M